The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), a civil society platform, has expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The organisation, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Tajudeen Alabede, and General Secretary, Muhammad Jameel Muhammad, said El-Rufai had been in detention for over 200 days in connection with offences which it described as bailable.

While reaffirming its support for efforts to combat corruption and promote public integrity, the NDD said the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign depended on strict adherence to the rule of law and due process.

The group stressed that no individual should be considered above the law, but argued that legitimate prosecution must not be conducted in a manner that could be perceived as political persecution.

According to the NDD, Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantee citizens’ rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.

It said prolonged detention beyond what could reasonably be justified had implications beyond the individual concerned, as it could fuel public concerns about the fairness, transparency and predictability of the justice system.

“Due process is not a mere technicality. It is the moral authority upon which the anti-corruption fight stands,” the organisation said.

The NDD emphasised that being charged before a court did not amount to conviction, just as detention in ICPC custody should not be equated with a prison sentence.

The civil society group consequently called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and the leadership of the ICPC to immediately review the basis and duration of El-Rufai’s detention.

It also urged the authorities to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions on detention and bail, while calling for any prosecution, where applicable, to proceed openly and without unnecessary delay.

The organisation said justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

The NDD further maintained that Nigeria’s development depended on balancing accountability in public office with fidelity to due process.

It urged public institutions to conduct the anti-corruption campaign in a manner capable of strengthening public trust rather than generating suspicion, stressing that the fight against corruption must be anchored on the law, credible evidence and transparency.

“The ongoing prosecution of Malam Nasir El-Rufai must, therefore, proceed without any hint of persecution. We all must come under the rule of law,” the statement added.